Another Look at Scramble Crossings

By Eric Richardson
Published: Friday, November 07, 2008, at 09:49AM

L.A. Times

A scramble crossing at 7th & Broadway in 1956.

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Streetfilms today posted a video taking a look at scramble crossings in Los Angeles. Scramble crossings, also known as "all cross," "pedestrian scrambles" or "barnes dances," are intersections that have distinct phase where pedestrians may cross in any direction, including diagonally. Currently in use near UCLA and USC, the city plans to install several in the Fashion District.

As we discussed back in August, these new crossings aren't the first for Downtown. Scramble crossings first came here in 1956, and lasted two years before being dropped due to small effects on vehicle flow.

I make an appearance in the video, talking history at the corner of 7th and Broadway.

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Scramble Crossings Coming to L.A., but Not for the First Time
August 05, 2008

Comments

Brian writes:

Thanks for this piece Eric!

I first encountered scramble crossing on a visit to Denver approximately 7-8 years ago, and only recent saw them again during a visit to Pasadena.

LADOT cited traffic being unable to turn against pedestrian traffic at corners as a reason for the scramble crosswalks and it makes sense. It really hits home when you think about how few advance/flashing green lights in the downtown area.

# on Nov.07.2008 AT 10:15 AM

Eric Richardson writes:

There are definitely intersections Downtown where right turns are nearly impossible. Going from Broadway (north) to 6th is the one that first comes to mind for me. In principle, scramble crossings are as or more efficient for everyone, both cars and peds.

# on Nov.07.2008 AT 11:10 AM

Bert Green writes:

In the most pedestrian oriented city in the US, New York, there is a complete prohibition of all right turns on red. That has the effect of creating a "safe space" for pedestrians. If that same effect can be created by scrambles, I am all for it.

# on Nov.08.2008 AT 11:51 AM

Jason G writes:

Nice video. They have a scramble crossing across the street from CSU Fullerton(Nutwood & Commonwealth) and it works like a charm. I definitely think these would be beneficial in other foot-traffic areas~

# on Nov.08.2008 AT 02:20 PM

Eric Richardson writes:

Bert: The problem Downtown is that without right turn arrows you'd then have lots of intersections where a driver simply couldn't turn right (peds through the entire green cycle). Scramble crossings solve both problems nicely.

# on Nov.08.2008 AT 03:11 PM